WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING DURING THE OFF SEASON?
Not alot really. Its been very hard trying to gather up the required sponsorship for the 2009 season, and that along with trying to get my trade sponsors on board again has taken up quite a bit of time this year.
HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ANY FITNESS TRAINING TO SUPPORT YOUR RACING?
Nothing unusual, just going to the gym and trying to keep an eye on my weight before the season starts. I would like to get another stone of weight off.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TYPE OF TRAINING?
I'm easy pleased to be honest...Just the usual stuff like running and bike riding.
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR PRESENT LEVEL OF FITNESS?
I think everyone in the sport would like something more to add to their level of fitness, and like I said before, if I can shed another stone of weight, then I will be happy with my level.
WHO ARE YOUR PRESENT SPONSORS?
My main sponsors are CD Racing who will provide me with Supersport and Superstock Yamaha's for the 2009 season, while PJ Flynn from Saintfield has provided me with the 250 and 125 Honda's.
The Ballygowan & District Supporters Club have came on board with me this year, along with Dunlop Tyres and Arai Helmets.
ARE ANY OF THOSE NEW SPONSORS?
Yes, the Ballygowan Club is new to the team this year. I also have Willis Marshall helping me behind the scenes, with PR etc.
WHAT BIKES ARE YOU RIDING THIS SEASON?
I will have the CD R6 Supersport Yamaha, and the CD R1 Superstock from Chris Dowds. My 250 Honda is the one that I used last year, while the 125 Honda is the bike which my dad rode in 2006, the one that is called Seabuscuit.
HAVE YOU MANAGED TO RAISE ENOUGH FUNDS FOR THIS SEASON?
You never quite have enough money. If all honesty be told, I would have to answer no to this question. We had planned over the winter to take in the Daytona meeting in March, but that has had to be scrubbed from the calendar. Money is really tight this year, and I think that will become more clear as the season approaches.
WHEN AND WHERE IS YOUR FIRST OUTING?
I will probably take a run out at Bishopscourt before the season starts, but as regards competitive
racing, probably one of the Easter meetings.
WILL YOU BE RIDING AT THIS YEARS TT?
Yes
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE BIKES YOU ARE RIDING THIS YEAR?
Very much so. They are all excellent machines, and I think that the Superstock bike will be good enough to win on any national road race.
HAVE YOU SET YOURSELF ANY GOALS THIS SEASON?
Just to win as much as is possible I guess.
